What do you think?
Rate this book
Hakon's Saga #2
Raven's Feast
Hakon Haraldsson returns in this fast-paced historical adventure set in Viking Age Norway.
It is 935 A.D. and Hakon Haraldsson has just wrested the High Seat of the North from his ruthless brother, Erik Bloodaxe. Now, he must fight to keep it.
The land-hungry Danes are pressing from the south to test Hakon before he can solidify his rule. In the east, the Uplanders are making their own plans to seize the throne. It does not help that Hakon is committed to his dream of Christianizing his people - a dream his countrymen do not share and will fight to resist.
As his enemies move in and his realm begins to crumble, Hakon and his band of oath-sworn warriors must make a stand in Raven's Feast, the riveting sequel to God's Hammer. Praise:
... 250 plus pages of sitting on the edge of your seat... -Dads & Dragons-
... an exciting read about a very young king attempting to hold on to a kingdom cracking wide open. - Historical Novel Society-
An entertaining story of a man facing an increasingly impossible situation... -Historical Fiction Review-
It is 935 A.D. and Hakon Haraldsson has just wrested the High Seat of the North from his ruthless brother, Erik Bloodaxe. Now, he must fight to keep it.
The land-hungry Danes are pressing from the south to test Hakon before he can solidify his rule. In the east, the Uplanders are making their own plans to seize the throne. It does not help that Hakon is committed to his dream of Christianizing his people - a dream his countrymen do not share and will fight to resist.
As his enemies move in and his realm begins to crumble, Hakon and his band of oath-sworn warriors must make a stand in Raven's Feast, the riveting sequel to God's Hammer. Praise:
... 250 plus pages of sitting on the edge of your seat... -Dads & Dragons-
... an exciting read about a very young king attempting to hold on to a kingdom cracking wide open. - Historical Novel Society-
An entertaining story of a man facing an increasingly impossible situation... -Historical Fiction Review-
254 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2017
310 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Eric Schumacher
23 books149 followersEric Schumacher (1968 - ) is the author of multiple bestselling historical fiction novels and one novella, all set in the Viking Age.
Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history at a very early age, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Bernard Cornwell, Jack Whyte, and Wilbur Smith. Those discoveries fueled his imagination and continue to influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God's Hammer, was published in 2005.
Schumacher now resides in Santa Barbara with his wife and two children.
You can follow Eric Schumacher on Amazon or by joining his newsletter at https://www.ericschumacher.net/reader....
Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history at a very early age, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Bernard Cornwell, Jack Whyte, and Wilbur Smith. Those discoveries fueled his imagination and continue to influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God's Hammer, was published in 2005.
Schumacher now resides in Santa Barbara with his wife and two children.
You can follow Eric Schumacher on Amazon or by joining his newsletter at https://www.ericschumacher.net/reader....
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 1, 2017
Okay, I am going to attempt to write this review without gushing overly much, or beating my Norwegian chest with pride. I can’t guarantee that I will be successful in either endeavor.
Back in May, I posted a Book Blast for an upcoming book, Raven’s Feast. Being Norwegian and having a working knowledge of Hakon Haraldsson, I knew that owning said book was going to be top priority. While I (impatiently) awaited Raven’s Feast, I got my hands on the first book in the series, God’s Hammer. (Which is excellent.) When the first book in a series is utterly brilliant, my concern is always that the second book will have a hard time measuring up to it’s predecessor. The day I received Raven’s Feast, after putting my Littles to bed, I began reading. When midnight came and went, I realized that it was most definitely as glorious as God’s Hammer. Once again, Eric Schumacher intertwines historical fact and accuracy with detailed fiction, bringing Hakon and his warriors to life for all to meet and love.
Hakon Haraldsson has won his throne. Now, will he keep it?
(Dear Mr. Schumacher…PLEASE write more. No, really. Please.)
Bottom Line: Hakon Haraldsson, meet world. World, meet Hakon Haraldsson.
Back in May, I posted a Book Blast for an upcoming book, Raven’s Feast. Being Norwegian and having a working knowledge of Hakon Haraldsson, I knew that owning said book was going to be top priority. While I (impatiently) awaited Raven’s Feast, I got my hands on the first book in the series, God’s Hammer. (Which is excellent.) When the first book in a series is utterly brilliant, my concern is always that the second book will have a hard time measuring up to it’s predecessor. The day I received Raven’s Feast, after putting my Littles to bed, I began reading. When midnight came and went, I realized that it was most definitely as glorious as God’s Hammer. Once again, Eric Schumacher intertwines historical fact and accuracy with detailed fiction, bringing Hakon and his warriors to life for all to meet and love.
Hakon Haraldsson has won his throne. Now, will he keep it?
(Dear Mr. Schumacher…PLEASE write more. No, really. Please.)
Bottom Line: Hakon Haraldsson, meet world. World, meet Hakon Haraldsson.
August 27, 2017
Imagine that you're a young King, a Christian one, in a time and place where the old gods still hold sway over your subjects and your allies...allies and subjects that you desperately need to not only strengthen your hold but to even survive. Hakon faces many challenges to his rule and to his chosen religion and during the course of this tale, seems to do all the wrong things to meet those challenges. An entertaining story of a man facing an increasingly impossible situation...a tale of courage and steadfastness ... a tale of intrigue and danger... a tale of unwavering belief. Immerse yourself in a time and place of great deeds and even greater changes. 4.3 stars
October 16, 2018
Sadly this volume just didn’t work out for me. A 15yr old besting ‘champions ‘? Multiple times? Nope, not buying it. Also, the piousness scribbled throughout the tale was bothersome. Nauseating. 2.5*
November 18, 2017
Great Read..... kept my interest, the only question is, when is book 3 coming out? Can't wait
August 6, 2023
Give it a a read.
The boy Haken is becoming a man. He makes mistakes and almost loses all his men. Haken is smart smarter then they think he is.But in the end they fallow him.
The boy Haken is becoming a man. He makes mistakes and almost loses all his men. Haken is smart smarter then they think he is.But in the end they fallow him.
July 18, 2020
“Raven’s Feast: Hakon’s Saga Book 2” is an appropriate title because Eric Schumacher’s violent account of war and conquest in the Viking era leaves plenty for scavengers to devour. The second book in this series picks up exactly where the first left off and doesn’t miss a beat right up to its powerful conclusion. Despite blunders and misjudgments, young King Hakon grows up fast and holds our attention. The battle scenes, including one on the water, are memorable, but so are the characters who fill these pages.
October 23, 2017
3,5 stars
Hakon won the battle against his brother Erik Bloodaxe and the High Seat of the North. But now he has to find the way to keep his seat against rebellious and ambitious jarls with changing alliances. Of course, there are people who are not that thrilled with their king’s religion, or his wish to convert his country to Christianity.
This was another action packed book, which was read rather quickly. Hakon is a likable character who undoubtedly makes mistakes, sometimes rather big and rash ones. He still seems at times little naïve and young but it will be interesting to see how he will turn like. Will he become more Viking like in his beliefs and make compromises? He seemed to become a bit more comfortable with killing and such. He is still a boy so it will be interesting to see what kind of man he will be.
Hakon won the battle against his brother Erik Bloodaxe and the High Seat of the North. But now he has to find the way to keep his seat against rebellious and ambitious jarls with changing alliances. Of course, there are people who are not that thrilled with their king’s religion, or his wish to convert his country to Christianity.
This was another action packed book, which was read rather quickly. Hakon is a likable character who undoubtedly makes mistakes, sometimes rather big and rash ones. He still seems at times little naïve and young but it will be interesting to see how he will turn like. Will he become more Viking like in his beliefs and make compromises? He seemed to become a bit more comfortable with killing and such. He is still a boy so it will be interesting to see what kind of man he will be.
January 27, 2020
Hakon,the teenage King of the Vikings, has defeated his rival and brother, Erik Bloodaxe. Erik had been ravishing the lands and left a bloody trail. Rather than kill his brother, Hakon makes him vow to leave and never return. Hakon then travels with part of his followers and warriors to the Uplands, to fulfill the vow he has made to the Jarl of that area. He is to marry Groa, the daughter of the Jarl. He detests the woman, but he had promised to wed Groa to secure the backing of her father in the fight against his brother, Erik. The Jarl is ill, but manages to live long enough to see the pagan ceremony before dying. To make the marriage valid Hakon must have sex with her in front of female witnesses. He imbibes too much at the feast to execute the actual act. When both are unclothed and in bed, Harkon rolls over vomits twice, and collapses. When he awakes in the morning, he leaves his bride who is not his wife, and his warriors. The son of the Jarl refuses to swear allegiance to Harkon. Once Harkon is a good distance from the Uplands Hall, he send Groa and her retinue back. Upon his arrival at his Hall, he discovers the Captain of a kraal has delivered twelve monks from Engo-land, but refuses the silver promised. Hakon rescues the monks from his suspicious followers and gives them a thatched hut and permission to build a church. His pagan subjects are furious and Sigmund, the powerful Jarl that has been his mentor is furious at his not completing the marriage and the monks. Hakon must repair the damage between Sigmund and himself, fight the Dane that raids his lands, and the son of the Uplands Jarl that has wed his mother to a much younger Dane. All but one of the monks is burned to death and once again Hakon must prove his worth in individual battle before others will follow him to destroy the Dane that has raided his lands for years. Will his plan to bring Christianity to the Norsemen fall by the wayside or will he somehow once again succeed in battle? This book delivers excitement and page turning events as a young teenager matures.
July 18, 2021
As the Bard Improves With Time, so does This Author
My review of the first book, space space, I was happy with parts of the book and how it was handled, but I was really not happy at all at the whiney, spoiled brat who was somewhat disgusting in his intolerance towards those who didn’t agree with his ideas and values.
This is much as is reflected in a snapshot of today’s world - people are people with their attitudes and reactions. And the truly civilized and humane way most people have been treated over the past 100 years, especially, are going the way of the dodo.
When the young Christian boy, Hakon, became Rex Hakon, or King Hakon, the reaction in his world was triumphant, then he made bad decisions that made many in his society angry. He has matured and evolved into a better version of himself, with true Leadership qualities - forbearance, a budding mature form of forgiveness, and a willingness to roll the dice even as he sets the table to give his ‘team’ an edge in how the dice fall. Would the angry, pernicious, intolerant Nithings of modernity be as knowledgeable as this young Leader became - and the Author has skryed the truth of a real leader in Hakon’s development.
My review of the first book, space space, I was happy with parts of the book and how it was handled, but I was really not happy at all at the whiney, spoiled brat who was somewhat disgusting in his intolerance towards those who didn’t agree with his ideas and values.
This is much as is reflected in a snapshot of today’s world - people are people with their attitudes and reactions. And the truly civilized and humane way most people have been treated over the past 100 years, especially, are going the way of the dodo.
When the young Christian boy, Hakon, became Rex Hakon, or King Hakon, the reaction in his world was triumphant, then he made bad decisions that made many in his society angry. He has matured and evolved into a better version of himself, with true Leadership qualities - forbearance, a budding mature form of forgiveness, and a willingness to roll the dice even as he sets the table to give his ‘team’ an edge in how the dice fall. Would the angry, pernicious, intolerant Nithings of modernity be as knowledgeable as this young Leader became - and the Author has skryed the truth of a real leader in Hakon’s development.
November 12, 2018
Great story!!
I certainly enjoyed this story and hope the writer will continue writing. A sequel would be great! I really appreciated the way that neither Christianity nor Paganism was the focus entirely and none was put to total shame of the other. Any negative or positives was quite even on both.
This book prompted me to watch some YouTube documentaries about King Hakon and has piqued my interest in the history of the Danes & Northmen giving me a whole new world of books to add to my reading list. Thanks Eric Schumacher!
I certainly enjoyed this story and hope the writer will continue writing. A sequel would be great! I really appreciated the way that neither Christianity nor Paganism was the focus entirely and none was put to total shame of the other. Any negative or positives was quite even on both.
This book prompted me to watch some YouTube documentaries about King Hakon and has piqued my interest in the history of the Danes & Northmen giving me a whole new world of books to add to my reading list. Thanks Eric Schumacher!
March 1, 2018
Good combination of medieval history and fiction
Had thought at first the two books were total fiction and was surprised to learn they are based on a historical character. Turned out to be a good read that moves along quickly with little opportunity for boredom! Have always had a great interest in this historical period a d was not disappointed! Only problem is the way the story skips forward from crisis to crisis and it seemed a bit contrived at times. Of necessity I suppose since there is a lack of detailed historical fact to build upon!
Had thought at first the two books were total fiction and was surprised to learn they are based on a historical character. Turned out to be a good read that moves along quickly with little opportunity for boredom! Have always had a great interest in this historical period a d was not disappointed! Only problem is the way the story skips forward from crisis to crisis and it seemed a bit contrived at times. Of necessity I suppose since there is a lack of detailed historical fact to build upon!
June 30, 2019
A suitable book to follow the first spellbinder
Quite often the second book in a series is a disappointment in that it rehashes lots of The first to make it readable. This is far from the case in this instance. The book can easily be read as a stand alone novel, but is only enhanced by reading the first in the series. Equally this book is just as page turning as the first, and I have no reservation in recommending it to anyone enjoying a good read or fans of historical fiction. The author fills in the gaps in the known historical record in an enchanting and interesting way
Quite often the second book in a series is a disappointment in that it rehashes lots of The first to make it readable. This is far from the case in this instance. The book can easily be read as a stand alone novel, but is only enhanced by reading the first in the series. Equally this book is just as page turning as the first, and I have no reservation in recommending it to anyone enjoying a good read or fans of historical fiction. The author fills in the gaps in the known historical record in an enchanting and interesting way
November 8, 2018
A great second book in the series.
Eric is not a one trick pony. His second book in the Hakon’s saga series is just as entertaining and well written as the first. He breathes life into the characters and makes you feel like you are there in the time period. Looking forward with great anticipation to the continuing series.
Eric is not a one trick pony. His second book in the Hakon’s saga series is just as entertaining and well written as the first. He breathes life into the characters and makes you feel like you are there in the time period. Looking forward with great anticipation to the continuing series.
December 3, 2018
God I vs Priest
Once again Schumacher has us a rip roaring saga of the young king, Hakon. Action, well researched ethnological accuracy, historical correctness and above a plot with several/sub-plots combined t make the reader feel engaged and entertained! An excellent 2nd book in this action oriented series!
Once again Schumacher has us a rip roaring saga of the young king, Hakon. Action, well researched ethnological accuracy, historical correctness and above a plot with several/sub-plots combined t make the reader feel engaged and entertained! An excellent 2nd book in this action oriented series!
January 29, 2019
Raven's Feast by Eric Schumacher has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
Excellent! This book has it all: good characters, descriptions, historical background, and the author’s obvious interest in this period.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
Excellent! This book has it all: good characters, descriptions, historical background, and the author’s obvious interest in this period.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
March 23, 2025
Ravens Feast
Another great story. Eric Schumacher somehow puts these great stories together in such a way that you can’t put the book down. If you do the story lingers in your head until you simply have to put everything else aside to find out how the story ends. And so the young Hakons thrilling story continues.
Another great story. Eric Schumacher somehow puts these great stories together in such a way that you can’t put the book down. If you do the story lingers in your head until you simply have to put everything else aside to find out how the story ends. And so the young Hakons thrilling story continues.
October 26, 2017
Really good read
I just really enjoyed reading these two stories. It is a great look into the past, great people who lived, and every day people whom are shown for their story too. Really good read-highly recommended.
I just really enjoyed reading these two stories. It is a great look into the past, great people who lived, and every day people whom are shown for their story too. Really good read-highly recommended.
October 28, 2017
Enjoyable
Well I have enjoyed both books the first more so than the last. I have liked the pace of each book, the story just pulls you in. I hope that there will be more in the series.
Well I have enjoyed both books the first more so than the last. I have liked the pace of each book, the story just pulls you in. I hope that there will be more in the series.
February 15, 2018
Really enjoyed this book and it's predecessor !
I hope there is more coming ! I was pleasantly surprised to find these stories. Good combination of action and character development.
I hope there is more coming ! I was pleasantly surprised to find these stories. Good combination of action and character development.
May 4, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Mr Schumacher has used what little we know and filled in the huge gaps quite plausibly, delivering an exciting read about a very young king attempting to hold on to a kingdom cracking wide open."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Mr Schumacher has used what little we know and filled in the huge gaps quite plausibly, delivering an exciting read about a very young king attempting to hold on to a kingdom cracking wide open."
June 7, 2018
The Saga Continues
I have been a follower of Viking age fiction for a good half century and was delighted to discover this series of books. I am looking forward to further events in the career of young King Hakon as he brings a new age to the Northlands.
I have been a follower of Viking age fiction for a good half century and was delighted to discover this series of books. I am looking forward to further events in the career of young King Hakon as he brings a new age to the Northlands.
November 15, 2018
A good read that makes realize there brutality of warfare at that time.
There are many interesting characters. The story melds them very interestingly. Recommended for anyone interested in ancient times. Vivid battle scenes.
There are many interesting characters. The story melds them very interestingly. Recommended for anyone interested in ancient times. Vivid battle scenes.
December 4, 2018
5 Stars VERY ENTERTAINING!
Book 2 of the saga is as good as Book 1. I recommend that they be read in order. There is a fair of amount of violence in the book that may not be for the squeamish.
Book 2 of the saga is as good as Book 1. I recommend that they be read in order. There is a fair of amount of violence in the book that may not be for the squeamish.
January 22, 2019
Great storyline and characters
Reading these books, 1 & 2, has been total pleasure. The battles are a little thin, but the history and the people make up fit that. The chairs tees are well defined and you become attached to them
These stories are very well written.
Reading these books, 1 & 2, has been total pleasure. The battles are a little thin, but the history and the people make up fit that. The chairs tees are well defined and you become attached to them
These stories are very well written.
April 21, 2019
It was hard to put down Raven’s Feast to do more mundane things, like work and rest. The characters were easy to identify with and the plot was exciting! I hope to read more soon of Eric’s writing!
December 27, 2020
Raven s Feast
WONDERFUL. Both of his stories were fantastic. I could picture this 15 year old nervous King but standing firm and leading men into war. What a terrifying time to live in. Please keep these books coming. Thank you.
WONDERFUL. Both of his stories were fantastic. I could picture this 15 year old nervous King but standing firm and leading men into war. What a terrifying time to live in. Please keep these books coming. Thank you.
June 16, 2021
Raven's Feast
This is the second book in Hakon's Saga, and it was every bit as good as book 1 -- maybe better. Makes you feel like you are there, feeling the roll of the sea and the salt spray. What a ride. Can't wait to begin book 3.
This is the second book in Hakon's Saga, and it was every bit as good as book 1 -- maybe better. Makes you feel like you are there, feeling the roll of the sea and the salt spray. What a ride. Can't wait to begin book 3.
May 28, 2017
Fast Yet Good Read.
An exciting story. Well written. Gave a good look into the times of the Vikings and their beliefs. Good read.
An exciting story. Well written. Gave a good look into the times of the Vikings and their beliefs. Good read.
July 8, 2017
Great battles
Another interesting book with exciting battles with the strategy & necessity behind each battle. Fascinating look at the world of the Norse.
Another interesting book with exciting battles with the strategy & necessity behind each battle. Fascinating look at the world of the Norse.
July 13, 2017
Real good book.
I have really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone interested in this period of history. It is very well written.
I have really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone interested in this period of history. It is very well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews